Costs at the Orthodontist in Cologne: Braces, Insurance, and Payment Plans
What treatment costs depends on your diagnosis – and on who pays. Here you will find benchmark figures, insurance rules, and our interest-free payment plan at a glance.
Whether you have statutory or private insurance: Diagnostics, consultation, and care are the same for all patients at our practice. You receive the costs in writing before treatment begins – not only with the bill.
What an orthodontic treatment costs depends on the diagnosis and on who pays. For children and adolescents with pronounced misalignment (KIG 3 to 5), statutory health insurance covers standard care. As a private service, aligners usually cost approx. 2,500 to 8,500 euros, fixed braces approx. 3,000 to 8,000 euros – you receive the exact amount in writing before treatment begins.
What does braces cost at the orthodontist?
We give a reliable figure only after the examination – before that it would be a guess. The following ranges show the order of magnitude:
| Treatment | Typical costs | Insurance & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aligners / Invisalign | usually approx. 2,500–8,500 euros | depending on the extent of correction; private service |
| Fixed braces | private usually approx. 3,000–8,000 € | for KIG 3–5 statutory health insurance coverage (20% co-payment refunded after completion) |
| Removable appliance | we clarify during consultation | from KIG 3 statutory health insurance coverage |
| Night guard or occlusal splint | statutory health insurance coverage with corresponding diagnosis | – |
| DMD occlusal splint after digital measurement | approx. 1,500–3,000 € | Private service |
| Mandibular advancement device | approx. 1,000–2,200 € | Statutory health insurance coverage for medically confirmed obstructive sleep apnea when CPAP therapy cannot be used |
| Retainer | removable approx. 250–400 €, fixed approx. 400–600 € | not covered by statutory health insurance; supplemental dental insurance depending on plan |
What the total depends on:
- Type and extent of tooth or jaw misalignment
- Type and severity of tooth or jaw misalignment
- the appliance that fits your diagnosis
- the expected treatment duration
The figures are non-binding reference values; the actual costs result from the treatment and cost plan after examination and treatment planning.
These figures are non-binding estimates; actual costs are determined after examination and treatment planning in the medical and cost plan.
Statutory health insurance does not cover treatment by preference, but by diagnosis. What matters are the orthodontic indication groups – KIG for short – with five levels:
- KIG 1 and 2 – minor deviations: Treatment is possible, but is a private service.
- KIG 3 to 5 – pronounced to severe misalignments: Statutory health insurance covers standard care.
For KIG 3 to 5, statutory health insurance pays 80 percent of the costs directly; it reimburses the patient’s 20 percent share after successful completion of treatment. We determine the classification during the initial examination and record it in the treatment plan, which the insurance approves before treatment begins.
Important: The insurance benefit applies only if treatment begins before the 18th birthday. More on our page about orthodontics for children and adolescents.
What statutory health insurance patients also pay privately
Tooth-colored brackets, certain wire systems or aligners go beyond standard care. We list such items separately in the treatment plan so you can see what is covered by insurance and what is not – you decide whether you want it. Our article on non-contractual services.
What about adults?
Adults typically pay for treatment themselves. The exception applies to severe jaw misalignments that require combined orthodontic and oral surgery – in those cases, insurance participates. More on our page about orthodontics for adults.
Private insurance, supplemental insurance and Beihilfe
Privately insured patients submit the treatment plan to their insurance before beginning – we prepare the documents for this. Private health insurance and supplemental dental insurance reimburse partially or fully depending on the policy; it is worth reviewing the contract terms before treatment begins.
Supplemental dental insurance applies only if it was taken out before a diagnosis was made – once a case is underway, it is too late.
Good to know: If private insurance denies treatment, you have the right to review the expert opinion on which it is based. More in the article on access to insurance expert opinions.
Beihilfe
Those eligible for Beihilfe also submit the treatment plan to their Beihilfe office before treatment begins. We prepare the documents for this and actively support you. A court ruling on Beihilfe for adults.
Interest-free installment payment: up to 18 months
Orthodontic treatment extends over many months – you do not have to bear the costs all at once. With us, you pay in installments, up to 18 months interest-free.
- You arrange the installment payment directly with our practice.
- We agree on the duration and amount of the installments together before treatment begins.
- We will discuss which payment plan works best for your treatment during the consultation.
Can you deduct the costs from your taxes?
In some cases, yes: Out-of-pocket costs for a medically necessary treatment can be claimed as an extraordinary burden on your tax return — this also applies if parents pay for their child’s treatment.
Important: The tax office only considers the portion exceeding the so-called reasonable burden — depending on income, marital status, and number of children, between 1 and 7 percent of earnings. Keep your receipts. Purely esthetic treatments without medical necessity are typically not recognized. Your tax advisor can estimate how much this will affect your case.
When will you find out what your treatment costs?
- Examination: We examine your teeth, jaw, and bite — often with a 3D scan instead of an impression.
- Planning: We prepare the treatment plan and determine whether insurance is involved.
- Cost estimate: You receive the costs in writing — insurance and private portions shown separately.
- Decision: You submit the plan to your insurance and decide at your own pace. Only then does treatment begin.
More on individual cost questions
Costs and insurance — your consultation at JUST KFO in Cologne
We are happy to answer your questions about costs and reimbursement before you decide on treatment. You will receive a written cost estimate, we will prepare the documents for your insurance and your cost reimbursement office, and we will discuss installment payment with you. During your appointment, you can park free of charge in our courtyard. Feel free to book an appointment — we will take the time to answer your questions.
Frequently asked questions about costs and insurance
What does braces cost at an orthodontist in Cologne?
As a private service, fixed braces typically cost approx. 3,000 to 8,000 euros, and aligner treatment approx. 2,500 to 8,500 euros. For children and adolescents with KIG 3 to 5, statutory health insurance covers standard care. You will receive the exact amount in writing after the examination.
Will health insurance pay for my child’s braces?
Yes, if the misalignment is classified as KIG 3, 4, or 5 and treatment begins before the 18th birthday. Insurance pays 80 percent directly; it reimburses the 20 percent co-payment after successful completion of treatment. For KIG 1 and 2, treatment is a private service.
Does health insurance cover braces for adults?
As a rule, no. The exception is severe jaw misalignment that requires combined orthodontic and oral surgery treatment. Private health insurance and supplemental dental insurance may reimburse depending on the policy.
Can I pay for treatment in installments?
Yes. We offer interest-free installment payments up to 18 months — directly through the practice. We agree on the term and installment amounts together before treatment begins.
Can I deduct the cost of braces from my taxes?
Under certain circumstances, yes. Self-paid costs for medically necessary treatment can be claimed as extraordinary expenses; however, only the amount above the reasonable burden threshold is considered. Your tax advisor is best suited to clarify the details.
When will I know what my treatment costs?
After the examination and planning. You will receive the costs in writing in advance, with statutory and private portions shown separately, and can then decide at your leisure.
Sources on costs and insurance coverage
Sources:
- Sozialgesetzbuch Fünftes Buch (SGB V), § 29 – Kieferorthopädische Behandlung. gesetze-im-internet.de
- Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA): Kieferorthopädische Behandlung – Richtlinien und KIG-Einstufung. g-ba.de
- Kassenzahnärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KZBV): Ablauf der kieferorthopädischen Behandlung. kzbv.de
- Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA) (2020): Unterkieferprotrusionsschiene bei obstruktiver Schlafapnoe. g-ba.de
- Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG), § 33 – Außergewöhnliche Belastungen. gesetze-im-internet.de
- Bayerische Landeszahnärztekammer: Zahnbehandlung und Steuern. zahn.de